Police save kidnapped six-year-old boy and catch suspect in Borno

The Borno State Police have rescued a six-year-old boy who was kidnapped in Maiduguri. They also arrested a suspect linked to the crime.

The police shared this news in a statement on Monday from their spokesperson, Nahum Daso.

The boy, named Alkali Musa, lived in the Mafoni area of Maiduguri. He was reported missing after he went out to play on June 6 and did not come back.

Daso said that early investigations showed that soon after the boy went missing, the suspect contacted his parents. The suspect demanded a ransom of N200,000 for the boy's return.

The Divisional Police Officer of Lamisula Division received the complaint on Sunday. He quickly gathered a team of detectives to find the suspect and rescue the boy.

The statement explained, “On 7th June, 2026, at about 1400hrs, the Command received a report regarding a missing child, one Alkali Musa, a 6-year-old boy of Mafoni Area, Maiduguri, who had gone out to play on 6th June, 2026, but failed to return home.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that shortly after the child’s disappearance, the suspect contacted the parents and demanded a ransom of N200,000 for the child’s release.”

Daso said the operation resulted in the arrest of the suspect, named Ali Alhaji Ali, and the safe rescue of the boy.

The statement mentioned that the child was rescued without any harm and was reunited with his family.

“The efforts yielded positive results, as the suspect, one Ali Alhaji Ali, was apprehended and the victim was rescued unharmed.

“The suspect has confessed to the crime, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and possible prosecution,” the statement added.

In response, the Commissioner of Police for Borno State, Naziru Abdulmajid, praised the officers for their quick action and professionalism.

He also assured the people that the police will continue to protect lives and property in the state.

“The Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, Naziru Abdulmajid, commended the swift response of the officers involved in the operation and reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

“The command further urges parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children, while encouraging members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station,” the statement concluded.